Pennsylvania Set to Raise Speed Limit to 70 MPH on Bulk of Turnpike
In the wake of a trio of 20-month-old pilot programs during which the speed limit has been raised from 65 to 70 miles per hour on more than 200 miles of major highways in the state, Pennsylvania will unveil a permanent rise to 70 mph on 496 miles of its 552-mile turnpike (90%) in May.
Tire Safety to Be Focus of CVSA Roadcheck
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 2016 International Roadcheck will take place June 7-9, with an emphasis on tire safety inspections.
Alabama Legislature Passes Transportation Funding Formula
By near unanimous votes on April 13, Alabama’s Legislature passed a new transportation funding formula.
ATRI Starts Sleep Apnea Online Survey
As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues to accept comments before issuing a rule on sleep apnea in June, the American Transportation Research Institute started a one-month online survey on April 14 that seeks input from commercial truck drivers on a number of issues related to sleep apnea.
Ontario Trucking Association Names Stephen Laskowski President
The Ontario Trucking Association’s Board of Directors named Stephen Laskowski president during its meeting April 14.
Greg Thomas Named Secretary of Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet
Greg Thomas, who had been the acting Secretary of Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet since March 3, was given the permanent position by Gov. Matt Bevin on April 12. Thomas had been named Deputy Secretary in February. He now replaces Mike Hancock, who resigned three months after Bevin took office in December.
N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Signs Budget That Slashes Truck Fees
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a budget resolution agreed to by the state Senate and Assembly on April 12 that includes a fix for registration and decal fees for heavy-duty trucks.
DOT Establishes Composition of Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Working Group
The Department of Transportation announced the formation of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Formula Working Group on April 11. The panel, a requirement of the FAST Act that President Obama signed into law in December, is designed to analyze the requirements and factors for establishing a new allocation formula for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s flagship state grant program.
Asphalt Pavement Alliance Salutes 8 State DOTs
The Asphalt Pavement Alliance recognized the departments of transportation in eight states with the 2015 Perpetual Pavement Award for their high quality, long-life asphalt pavements.
Mississippi House Panel Rejects Sales Tax Hike for Infrastructure
Mississippi's Legislature rejected a sales tax hike for infrastructure improvements despite a think-tank report stating an inadequate transportation system is costing residents $2.25 billion per year.